Sister Joan Chittister famously said, "We are each called to go through life reclaiming the planet an inch at a time until the Garden of Eden grows green again." Reflecting on that journey -- a blog at a time -- is the focus of this site.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Marriage for All at All Saints Church

Press Release sent from All Saints Church, Pasadena this afternoon:

All Saints Church, Pasadena rector, J. Edwin Bacon, Jr., announced today that the church will treat equally all couples presenting themselves for the rite of marriage. The announcement followed a special meeting of the All Saints Church Vestry, which unanimously adopted a “Resolution on Marriage Equality” [below] in response to the May 15, 2008 ruling of the California Supreme Court.

“Today’s decision is consistent with All Saints Church, Pasadena’s identity as a peace and justice church,” said Bacon, following the historic vote. “It also aligns us with the Scriptures’ mandate to make God’s love tangible by ‘doing justice and loving mercy’ (Micah 6:8) and with the canons of our Episcopal Church that forbid discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.”

“In this our 125th year, this morning’s decision was a natural step forward on All Saints’ lengthy journey of justice, peace, and inclusion,” Bacon concluded. “As the rector of All Saints Church, I am inspired by the visionary stride All Saints’ lay leaders took today. I am honored to serve a church where the leadership demonstrates such stirring courage to move beyond lip service about embodying God’s inclusive love to actually committing our faith community to the practice of marriage equality.”

“As a priest and pastor, I anticipate with great joy strengthening our support of the sanctity of marriage as I marry both gay and straight members and thus more fully live out my ordination vow to nourish all people from the goodness of God’s grace.”

MARRIAGE EQUALITY RESOLUTIONAdopted by the Vestry of All Saints Church, Pasadena, California

on May 22, 2008

WHEREAS, our baptismal covenant commits us to “strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being;”

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture reveals that we are all created in God’s image and that God embraces all people as equally precious;

WHEREAS, the Vision Statement of All Saints Church, Pasadena, calls us to “embody the inclusive love of God in Christ” and our Foundational Values urge us to be “dispersed throughout this multicultural region for courageous and risk-filled work of peace and justice;”

WHEREAS, All Saints Church, Pasadena, currently blesses same-sex unions, but does not perform the rite of marriage for same-sex couples;

WHEREAS, on May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court issued its decision holding that marriage is a “basic civil right of personal autonomy and liberty” “to which all persons are entitled without regard to their sexual orientation;” and

WHEREAS, as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision, on June 16, 2008, the State of California will begin to license and recognize same-sex marriages;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Rector, Wardens and Vestry do declare that, as of June 16, 2008, All Saints Church, Pasadena will treat all couples presenting themselves for the rite of marriage equally.

WOW! What a great message (from both the Bishop and the Vestry)! These responses make much more sense than the mess we were in here in Massachusetts back in 2004. Good to see what a difference four years makes!

Sec. 1. Every Member of the Clergy of this Church shall conform to the laws of the State governing the creation of the civil status of marriage, and also to the laws of this Church governing the solemnization of Holy Matrimony.

Sec. 2. Before solemnizing a marriage the Member of the Clergy shall have ascertained:

(a) That both parties have the right to contract a marriage according to the laws of the State.

(b) That both parties understand that Holy Matrimony is a physical and spiritual union of a man and a woman, entered into within the community of faith, by mutual consent of heart, mind, and will, and with intent that it be lifelong.

My emphasis.

So much for the Canons of the Church, eh? Does this mean we can dispense with the Dennis Canon as well?

Although it's certainly debatable, reading Canon 17:5 in conversation with Canon 18:1 we believe that the spirit of those canons transcends the letter of the language describing marriage as a union between a man and a woman in Canon 18:2b. And we'll be suggesting fixing that in Anaheim.

It's arguable that the 1976 approval of the ordination of women wouldn't have happened without 1974 and Philadelpia pushing the church to amend the canons to reflect the reality there WERE women who were priests. I'll argue it's the same here ... and that the church needs to amend the canons to reflect the reality that there are same-sex couples who are MARRRIED.

(PS -- And what if Rosa Parks had waited til they changed the law before she sat down on that bus ... ? Sometimes unjust laws need to be challenged and that's what we're doing.)

There are times when I would like my church to charge forward and make change. It would be nice if my partner and I could be married in TEC, if we so chose (though I think we'd just stick with a civil marriage ceremony if it were available to us, for many reasons).

But I have to say that even though I am all for full inclusivity (obviously), the quick actions of All Saints Pasadena to marry same-sex couples took me aback.

On the one hand, I want to say "that's fantastic!" On the other hand, it leaves a lump in the pit of my stomach regarding the repurcussions that will be felt from the larger communion. My fears are that this is imprudent at this time, and that it will only divide people further. I would much rather TEC legislate this change first, before churches start doing it on their own.

But I see your point as well (being a Libra) -- often change does not happen without someone taking that leap of faith.

"Although it's certainly debatable, reading Canon 17:5 in conversation with Canon 18:1 we believe that the spirit of those canons transcends the letter of the language describing marriage as a union between a man and a woman in Canon 18:2b"

According to the letter of the canons, however, the rector would be liable for presentment if he acts on the policy.

When their is selective enforcement of the canons, the rule of law ebbs away, to be replaced by the rule of individuals -- so that one has either chaos or tyranny -- or most likely, chaos leading to tyranny.

suzer ... I couldn't agree more .. "I would much rather TEC legislate this change first, before churches start doing it on their own." And so would the Philadelphia 11 have preferred the church to have legislated the change first. And if they had not stepped forward to challenge the canons I do not believe they would have been changed in 1976.

------------------------------Please edit as you see fit or if possible - can you send this along to Suzer?____________________________Suzer said... "if we so chose (though I think we'd just stick with a civil marriage ceremony if it were available to us, for many reasons)." Suzer - I'd like to understand your comment. My partner and I had our "Holy Union" in our Parish in 1995 (the Boston area). In 2004, when Marriage was possible for us - sought the services of our Rector to sign the civil marriage license. (which is another story!) However, we did eventually have the civil license signed by clergy and have been blessed many times over. I am curious as to why "you would just stick with a civil marriage..."? Please feel free to contact me privately if you'd like to continue the conversation - eleighpowers@gmail.com

Dear Rev. Russell: I try to stay out of these discussions because I really don't have a dog in the fight. However, Ronf does make a point, one that if I were a current attorney for St. Luke's of the Mountains and the other three Los Angeles churches that are trying to retain property I would use. If canons are only subject to the interpretation of individual churches, why then would the Dennis Canon be any different. I would take that into court, brief it and point out that while Bp. Bruno is strictly applying one canon to three churches he was winking at another. I'll stay out of the other debate. I just think Ronf and Hiram have a good point.

Although it's certainly debatable, reading Canon 17:5 in conversation with Canon 18:1 we believe that the spirit of those canons transcends the letter of the language describing marriage as a union between a man and a woman in Canon 18:2b.

Then why didn't you wait for the debate? Instead, your vestry has set themselves up as an authority superior to General Convention, who apparently didn't see a conflict there.

And we'll be suggesting fixing that in Anaheim.

You'll be suggesting to change it. Whether or not that's a fix is certainly debatable.

And what if GC 2009 doesn't make the change? Will you continue to defy it and the Canons?

It's arguable that the 1976 approval of the ordination of women wouldn't have happened without 1974 and Philadelpia pushing the church to amend the canons to reflect the reality there WERE women who were priests.

They weren't priests until their ordinations were accepted by GC. And has it occurred to you that perhaps some of the conflict and loss of membership and property that came from that action might have been avoided if the people involved had not crammed their idea of what was right down other people's throats. You know; had determined to "be loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them?" - the latter being defined as what's in the Constitution and Canons? It's by no means established that the actions of 1974 led to the advancement of the Church or of Christ's gospel. It's not like the influence and membership of TEC has increased since then.

I'll argue it's the same here ...

You can argue it, but you don't know. Seems to me that actions such as this should be based on knowledge.

and that the church needs to amend the canons to reflect the reality that there are same-sex couples who are MARRRIED.

So, then, should the church change it's principles to reflect whatever "reality" occurs in the secular world? Should the church accept fornication and other things as blessed, just because the civil authority has decided to accept them?

(PS -- And what if Rosa Parks had waited til they changed the law before she sat down on that bus ... ?

It is quite presumptive to put yourself in the same class as Rosa Parks. Do you really think you're worthy of that?

Besides, Rosa Parks was defying a local law that was in violation of law that was supreme to it; the Constitution (as clearly stated in Amendment XV). There is no analagous situation here.

Sometimes unjust laws need to be challenged and that's what we're doing.)

Was it a deliberate challenge? Or was it simply self-righteous self-fullfillment? I don't see any acknowledgement that the canon even exists in the statement from All Saints, or that there is a perceived conflict and that you have any concern for the Church in this matter.

Whereas in the statements I have read from those in the civil rights struggle, they were careful to acknowledge and explain the conflicts between the law and their actions. In this case, the law being not the actions of a bare majority of the California Supreme Court, but that of the Church, which is the agency you are currently defying.

Writing from a certain distance - Montreal- the only lump I'm aware of is in my throat, and its of joy and sheer wonder- at the clear-sighted grace and courage of the folks at All Saints Passadena.

The bottom line is, some times after long prayer, much study and fellowship one simply has to gird up one's loins, trust in God and step forward in faith- into the new day our lovng God has made.

Maybe I've been feasting on Saint Verna Dozier a bit too much of late- so sue me- but is it not possible that the choice here is acting as a beloved people of God, or an institution.

And I would quote Saint Verna' What is important in the Gospel is a new world, not an institution'

However recent or ancient particular Canons might be, they are historical artifacts- the witness to the experience and strivings of our predecessors- a lense to inform our discussions and discernment- little more.

'New day a coming' brothers and sisters- a Love 'beyond our wildest imagening' at work here, to quote another living saint of our Church.

Sometimes when the Spirit says lead you've just got to take a deep breathe in faith & put that first foot forward.Thank-you +Jon BonoThank-you Ed+ BaconThank-you Susan+

One of the rules for non-violent protest was that yes, we would break the laws. Yes we would take the resulting legal actions to appellate courts and argue that the law was inoperative because it was both immoral and unconstitutional. But(!) we recognized that the courts might not agree and accepted the chance that we might pay the law's price.

All Saints and its vestry have not said they will stamp their fee and stalk off to Uganda or some where if their bishop, or the various canonical courts do not accept the action. They stand in public ready to make their case and defend the action.

That is something that makes progress possible. The courage to put one's self on the line, to risk the law's price, is what Jesus did, what Martin Luther did, what Martin Luther King did and what Cranmer did.

Jesus observed that greater love has no one than to give one's life for a friend. The decision to risk a professional life, and a vestry's standing is not that dramatic, but it is if the same material.

Congrats All Saints. You stand in the path of martyrs, and you wont stand alone.

I am delighted by the California decision and the stand taken by All Saints Church.

I can only wonder why the idea that women are equal to men and gays are equal to straights is so offensive to some Christians that they feel these simple truths are being crammed down their throats. Progress, according to these folks, should be resisted because we need to do things the way they’ve always been done. We have canons and institutions to tell us what to do. The thing is, all of these canons and institutions were created by men and are subject to change by other men – and women. Why should there be more concern about injury to the canons than the very real ongoing injuries to the LGBT community?

Why would anyone think that the movement within TEC and the actions of All Saints Church are somehow motivated by the actions of the secular world? We believe in the Trinity, which includes the Holy Spirit, which acts in people’s lives on a daily basis. That is what is behind these changes, which have been coming for decades. Martin Luther wasn’t acting out of secular motivation and he didn’t clear his theses with the Pope before posting them either.

Why does anyone think that marriage equality will destroy traditional marriage? Marriage has survived Liz Taylor, Mickey Rooney and Britney Spears. I think it will survive the two guys down the street who have been together for 20 years. I suppose that those who think that marriage equality will destroy traditional marriage are the same people who believe that the gay community is constantly recruiting. If these statements were true everyone in liberal Christian congregations would be divorced and somehow newly gay.

I realize that “traditional” Anglicans won’t be happy until every gay person in the world undergoes two weeks of conversion therapy and becomes straight. Then all of these pesky equality problems go away. However, this seems unlikely to happen. I don’t believe that some sort of “height” therapy could change Kareem Abdul-Jabbar into a six-foot tall person either.

By the way, does anyone really think that all Rosa Parks was doing was “defying a local law that was in violation of law that was supreme to it?”

"By the way, does anyone really think that all Rosa Parks was doing was “defying a local law that was in violation of law that was supreme to it?”"

Thank you, uffda51! Though I am hesitant (as expressed above) about All Saints' choice, your comment does put things into perspective for me. I guess it could be viewed that All Saints' is defying a "local" law that is in violation of a law supreme to it. The law of Love, God's Love, is available to all, and supreme to any other law.

Given that California same-sex couples can get all the legal protection of marriage by going through a civil marriage ceremony, “justice” would not seem to require California’s TEC clergy to violate the church’s marriage canon by officiating at the weddings.

Welcome to my blog ...

... where I try to be really clear about what I'm clear about. For example:

Religious persecution is when you're prevented from exercising your beliefs, not when you're prevented from IMPOSING your beliefs.

========

Until we end the blatant and indefensible discrimination of DOMA we are not living up to the pledge we make to be a nation of liberty and justice for all, we are not providing the equal protection guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to same-sex couples and we are failing to defend the self-evident truth that our forbearers fought to protect: that ALL people are created equal.

============ Using "biblical standards" to condemn those who understand that sexual orientation is morally neutral makes as much sense as using "biblical standards" to condemn astronomers who understand that the earth revolves around the sun. The Bible may have said it but that doesn't always settle it. ============ It's liberty and justice for all -- not some. It's respect the dignity of every human being -- not just straight ones. Got it? Great. Let's do it.

====== In order to keep moving forward toward liberty and justice for all we can't just be right about what the 1st Amendment protects. We have to be smart about how we respond to those who skipped the 9th Commandment and think lying is a Traditional Family Value. ======= Jesus said "Love your neighbor." Not "Love your neighbor unless your neighbor is gay."

Basic Bio

A cradle Episcopalian second generation Dodger fan ENFJ native of Los Angeles I was ordained in 1996 and currently serve as a Senior Associate at All Saints Church, Pasadena.
My family consists of my wife Lori, 2 dogs, (Luna and Betsy), 3 cats (Maui, Cherokee and Harold) and our four nearly-grown kids: Jim, Brian, Grace and Emily.
My life in the church has included everything from Junior Altar Guild with my Aunt Gretchen to my “obligatory young adult lapsed phase” to a tour of duty on the St. Paul’s, Ventura vestry where I also worked as parish secretary to a life-heart-soul changing experience as part of the Cursillo community to serving on my parish ECW Board to seminary at the School of Theology in Claremont to associate/day school chaplain positions at St. Mark’s, Altadena and St. Peter’s, San Pedro to Executive Director of Claiming the Blessing to my current parish position at All Saints Church. It’s been a long and winding road and the journey continues: an inch at a time.

Bottom Line:

A Comment On Comments

Strongly held perspectives are appreciated. Ad hominem attacks will be deleted. When in doubt, revisit page 305 of the BCP and if what you're typing doesn't meet the "respect the dignity" clause of the Baptismal Covenant then save us both some time and energy and don't hit "send."

DISCLAIMER

This blog is the personal weblog of one Susan Lynn Russell. The opinions expressed herein are hers and hers alone. The postions taken on matters theological or political (or anything else, for that matter) are in no way to be construed as the official positions of any other person, institution, group or organization.

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“Faith in action is called politics. Spirituality without action is fruitless and social action without spirituality is heartless. We are boldly political without being partisan. Having a partisan-free place to stand liberates the religious patriot to see clearly, speak courageously, and act daringly.” -- Ed Bacon

“Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"It's time for "tolerant" religious people to acknowledge the straight line between the official anti-gay theologies of their denominations and the deaths of these young people. Nothing short of changing our theology of human sexuality will save these young and precious lives." -- The Rt Rev Gene Robinson

"How can you initiate someone into the Body of Christ and then treat them like they’re half-assed baptized?" - The Rt Rev Barbara Harris

“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” ~ Elie Wiesel, 1986 Nobel Peace Prize

"Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant with the weak and wrong. Sometime in your life, you will have been all of these." — Siddhārtha Gautama

"I'm so glad Mary didn't wait for the formulation of a Doctrine of the Incarnation before she said 'Yes' to God." -- Ed Bacon

"The great Easter truth is not that we will be born again someday but that we are to be alive here and now by the power of the resurrection." -- Philips Brooks (paraphrase)

"History belongs to the intercessors, who believe the future into being.” -- Walter Wink

“Patience, a quality of holiness may be sloth in the soul when associated with the lack of righteous indignation.” -- Abraham Heschel

"Don't tell me what you believe. Tell me what difference it makes that you believe!" -- Verna Dozier

“We establish no religion in this country, we command no worship, we mandate no belief. Nor will we ever. Church and state are, and must remain, separate. All are free to believe or not believe, all are free to practice a faith or not, and those who believe are free and should be free, to speak of and act on their belief. At the same time as our constitution prohibits state religion, establishment of it protects the free exercise of all religions. And walking this fine line requires government to be strictly neutral.” -- Ronald Reagan

Let's be clear. The fact that the State authorizes a marriage in no way compels any Church to perform or recognize it. Marriage equality merely guarantees equality under the law to all citizens; it does not compel churches to do anything.-- Katherine Ragsdale